Stronger levees are needed
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 12:32 AM PDT
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E-mail this articleJuly 2 Letters to the Editor
Stronger levees are needed
Recent flooding along the Mississippi boldly demonstrates the awesome power of nature over the development of land and occupancy of buildings by humans.
When Mount St. Helens erupted, it unleashed nature’s power over a wide area. The efforts of government to curb the effects of rising river levels caused by sediment deposits from the mountain have proven to be ineffectual. The Cowlitz River bottom has risen, and the result is a higher and wider water level.
Prevention of a “Mississippi”-like flood can only occur if higher and stronger levees are constructed, and if the sediment retention structure at the headwaters of the river is made effectual. The effectiveness of the sediment retention structure has been reduced to zero because of the accumulation of sediment above the structure and the governmental disinclination to do anything about it.
We urge you to remind our congressional staff to work diligently and tirelessly to provide funding and direction to re-effectuate the sediment retention structure at the headwaters of the Toutle River, and to cause dredging of the accumulation of sediment in the bed of the river. This is one of the purposes for which they have been elected to serve our state and our region.
Consolidated Diking Improvement District No. 1
Board of Supervisors
Bill Hallanger, Chairman
Sherry Bean, Vice-Chairman
Ray E. Caldwell, Secretary
Poor placement
How dare you put George Carlin’s death on Page One, but have a McDonald’s buy-one-get-one-free coupon on Page Two? In order to use the coupon, one must clip through George Carlin’s memorial. That is very dumb and causes anxiety.
Which is more necessary: keep the memorial for framing or cut through it to save money at McDonalds? Oh, the pain, the agony, the exasperation of OCD. Can you guys think before you print the paper? I am available for consultation at a small fee.
Havana Nasserghandi
Longview
More freedom lost
I have had pneumonia six times in the last 12 years. The United States government says that I have to keep the Medicare supplement insurance that has no premium. That is why I chose that insurance. But starting this year, if I go to the hospital, it costs me $295 per day for the first 11 days.
I was in the hospital for eight days this April 2008. My cost is $2,400-plus. I’m 74 years old and on a fixed income. The $2,400 is what I pay.
One more bout with pneumonia and I will be unable to pay the $2,400-plus, my part of the bill, thanks to the United States government.
What are all you young men going to war and getting killed for? We lose more freedom every day. Seat belts should be a choice, not a fine; helmets should be a choice, not a fine, etc. What did all the young men die for?
Ron Townsend
Kelso
Little to celebrate
On this Fourth of July, I wish I could celebrate with most of my fellow Americans, but I can’t.
Our disrupting oil supplies has created inflation and hardships on people around the world. Gas is now over $4.50 a gallon, our infrastructure is crumbling, homes are being foreclosed, the world fears and disrespects us and the Middle East is a tragic time bomb ready to explode.
I never thought we would use torture as a state policy, but we’ve sunk to that level. We opposed Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin for their unprovoked attacks, but now we’ve done the same. Our invading Iraq, killing and imprisoning all those who resist and setting up a puppet government is little different than what they did.
And, as we celebrate, we are secretly subverting Iran and plan an unprovoked attack on them.
On this Fourth I’m disgusted, depressed and heartbroken, and find very little to celebrate. Hopefully I will next year.
Bill Kasch
Longview
Dog park is a great idea
I would like to clear up a few facts from Norm Olsen’s letter. He asks, “Who is at fault when a person with a big rig and an untrained dog like a Doberman or Rottweiler that chews up another dog?”
I would just like to state that I own a big rig, a 1987 Chev Pickup that is lifted and has 36-inch tires. I also own a big dog, and he is well behaved; he is not a Dobie or a Rot, but I believe it is arrogant to say that all people with big rigs have misbehaving dogs. Just because you see a dog in the back of a big rig and he is barking does not make him bad or likely to attack.
People will know their dogs and, as a dog owner in the county where I have fields and the woods and gravel roads for my dog to run and play in, I still believe that the dog park would be a great idea. I never heard anything about a landscaping or a pond. And there are enough people willing to help out so their dogs can have a safe place to play.
Kymberly Gensman
Kelso
Animals suffer on Fourth
I feel sorry about the disorder that affects animals around the Fourth. Our two Airedales, for example, run from hiding place to hiding place trying to escape the loud noise. One usually jumps into the tub while the other forces her way behind our TV set, or crawls under a table. They seek out other places, too, but those are their favorite places to hide.
How do I feel about it? I feel pity for all dogs, cats and other animals who are subjected to the noise, and frustrated because we’re helpless in this annual situation.
If I were a veterinarian, I would say the animals suffer for about four weeks total before and after the actual celebration day, you might say they suffer a little known disorder called “PTFD” (Post Traumatic Fireworks Disorder). It wouldn’t be so bad if people were thoughtful enough to save all the fireworks for the Fourth only, and those with animals would prepare sufficiently for the PTFD syndrome.
Remember, the Fourth of July is right around the corner. Be kind to your animals, make sure they are secure, away from the main event, and lightly medicated if their stress is acute. Concerned about what to do? Check with your local veterinarian ahead of time.
Thomas R. Hicker
Vader
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